This massive reconstruction required building over half of the 23 mile long Lodge Freeway, Detroit’s busiest commuter route. It had to be done quickly, but safety of the crews and motorists was a major concern. In order to accomplish meeting the tight schedule, MDOT decided to totally close sections of the road so that the work could be accomplished in one construction season. This gave the crews a safer environment to work in, saved the taxpayer dollars and afforded the contractor more time to focus on quality workmanship.
Ajax Paving Industries won the paving portion of the $140 million construction contract to reconstruct and rehabilitate 14 miles of the Lodge. The project called for total reconstruction of the roadway and 50 bridges between Lahser Road in Southfield and Jefferson Avenue. Ajax placed over 130,000 cubic yards of concrete on the section between Lahser and Greenfield. Another 65,000 cubic yards were poured to complete the project. Reconstruction of the Lodge involved pavement thicknesses ranging from nine to eleven inches.

This project involved concrete resurfacing of approximately 2 miles of existing composite pavement with a 6 inch unbonded concrete overlay.  It was part of a two year plan to improve Coolidge Highway in the City of Oak Park.  Last year, the intersection of 9 Mile and Coolidge was reconstructed and decorative concrete and street elements were added. The city received a special grant for the entire project and was able to maximize the amount of work done by including a cost effective concrete overlay. This year’s project included some water main replacement and full depth concrete and driveway replacement.